The Chicago Bears aren’t in a position to turn away opportunities. That is what happens in a rebuild. One thing they’ve done lately is giving second looks at former 1st round picks that didn’t take off with their original teams. They claimed tackle Alex Leatherwood off waivers from Las Vegas. Then they traded for N’Keal Harry from New England. Matt Eberflus clearly doesn’t mind GM Ryan Poles taking calculated risks.
One more might be at hand. The Los Angeles Chargers delivered a mild surprise when they released defensive lineman Jerry Tillery on November 11th. The former 28th overall pick had his best season to date in 2021, collecting 4.5 sacks and 31 overall pressures. However, his 2022 season has been frustrating, with only one sack and 10 pressures. No longer hurting for pass rush, they decided to cut their losses.
While nobody would accuse him of being a star, the former 1st round pick is somebody that would appeal to Eberflus. The Bears head coach likes size and length in his defensive linemen. Tillery is 6’6, 295 lbs, and boasts 34-inch arms. The last time he played in a 4-3 defense, he had a career-high 35 pressures.
Chargers waived their former first-round pick Jerry Tillery.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 11, 2022
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Jerry Tillery Jr. working speed to power. When in doubt, bull rush them back to the QB! #passrush #chargers pic.twitter.com/X7JK2Tnr4L
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) May 4, 2021
Jerry Tillery Jr. (@JerryTillery) flashes power, then executes a swipe/rip for the sack. Set your finesse pass rush moves up! #passrush #chargers pic.twitter.com/SNXBoF4X4C
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) June 27, 2022
Matt Eberflus can use any and all help up front.
The Bears defensive line has been a disappointment this season. They’ve struggled to apply pressure on the quarterback all year, especially along the interior. Justin Jones is the only one having any sort of impact. Tillery is 26 years old with plenty of experience. He wouldn’t be too expensive to acquire. If Chicago is still keen on handing out opportunities, the talent alone might be worth exploring. This coaching staff is experienced in these situations.
Tillery wouldn’t be any kind of savior. He’d merely be some needed depth for a defensive front that doesn’t have much. It’d be worth it if he could provide Matt Eberflus even a little extra juice in the pass rush. Anything beyond that would be a bonus. His Notre Dame ties also make it an easy sell. The Bears have cornered the market on Irish alum with Sam Mustipher, Cole Kmet, and Chase Claypool lately. Keep the name in mind over the next couple of days.
D line is a mess. SIGN HIM NOW!
Tillery would be worth taking a flyer on for the NFL minimum based solely on his talent and the need for quality depth on the DL.
There’s a reason why he was cut. His personality doesn’t mesh with a lot of people. He also takes plays off! Not an Eberfus guy at all. So inconsistent! He was not well liked on campus in college had huge ego and thought he was smarter than everyone. This guy will be a doctor or lawyer after football. But his motor is not what Eberfus is looking for. How many 1st round picks are cut mid season???? Overrated
Eq. St Brown is also N.D.
As soon as I saw the report that he was released, I figured Chicago would take a flier on him, for better or worse or mediocre.